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I did it last year and it was a blast so I'm coming back this year. I recommend swimming in CIBBOW's Triple Dip the day before. So much fun! When registration opens, I'll post it on the NY swim calendar.

I did the Triple Dip mile a couple years ago--rough conditions! I think there was some blowback from a hurricane that weekend. I was glad just to finish! A friend who signed up for the 10k had to cut out after 5k b/c he didn't think he'd get home in time to fulfill some family obligations. But will say that swim gave me great rough water practice!

Will depend on when I can get away. Sometimes I have to work Saturdays. I did like how well organized the Triple Dip was. And it paid to show up! As the only woman in my age group, I actually got an award!

One other question: Does anyone have videos they can post here (links okay) or PM to me, especially of the start and finish. I found some but they all seem to be taken from the water, except for one when people were lined up before starting. One bit of concern I have is that if there's as strong a current as I've heard, getting to the first buoy and then from the last buoy to shore would mean a pretty wicked cross current to deal with. How do people work their way into and out of the swim (maybe a silly question...)? Thanks for any info/photos/videos! I

The tide isn't too strong right at the beginning so that shouldn't be a problem for you. If you're nervous you can ferry slightly north of the turn buoy, but both years I've done it, several people couldn't quite get to the turn buoy....if you can't make it, just go with the flow, no one has been DQ'd for that reason (as far as I know). They probably are stricter with swimmers in different heats than you and I will be in. Just swim out far enough to be sure you clear the bulkhead.

At the end, there are so many kayak volunteers directing you to shore that you get plenty of warning; as you get close to shore the tide strength is quite diminished. Keep smiling and have fun!!

swimrn62 said:
The tide isn't too strong right at the beginning so that shouldn't be a problem for you. If you're nervous you can ferry slightly north of the turn buoy, but both years I've done it, several people couldn't quite get to the turn buoy....if you can't make it, just go with the flow, no one has been DQ'd for that reason (as far as I know). They probably are stricter with swimmers in different heats than you and I will be in. Just swim out far enough to be sure you clear the bulkhead.

At the end, there are so many kayak volunteers directing you to shore that you get plenty of warning; as you get close to shore the tide strength is quite diminished. Keep smiling and have fun!!

So, one more question, as the swim gets closer. Can New Yorkers here recommend a good inexpensive hotel/hostel/AirBnB? Trying to decide if I should stay near the start or near the finish--probably the latter, as it would be easier come check-out time. But it's an early morning trip to the start, so there's that. I'm also looking at the idea of a wee hours trip from Philly to save on overnight stay.

Hi dpm50, I am from NYC and swimming the SD race next week and did it two years ago. At the start there is an eddy from a pier protecting you from the current more or less until you reach the buoy. Just follow the pack. The finish is in a small cove on the south side of La Marina Restaurant bordered by a dock on the other side (see satellite image in Google maps). So toward the the of the race kayakers will corral you to hug the shore and then turn sharp left into the "cove". There is still a current so aim toward the shore on the near side of the finish and head diagonally in. It is not very difficult but you do need to pay attention. If you did get pushed past it there are kayakers there to direct what to do.

I definitely recommend staying in Manhattan. There is an early shuttle from La Marina to the start and you swim back. However, there are not many hotels near there. I recommend doing an airbnb-like rental on the upper west side or Morningside Heights, which will be more comfortable. There are some good ones in Harlem, and I imagine in Washington Heights closer to the start, but the neighborhood varies by block (the reviews are usually helpful). Others who have come from out of town for the race may have specific suggestions. You an take a taxi/Uber to the (early) start (subway goes somewhat near there but does not run that frequently that early). PM me if you have questions.

Much appreciate your input about the swim. Usually a swim that length has involved escort kayakers. I know fr the reports that it takes much less time to complete this swim than most 10k's. But how do you deal w nutrition /hydration w/out escort kayaks? I was thinking I'd stuff some gels inside my suit, but I can see that irritating my skin. I don't want to use a tow float though. Too distracting. I'm already in an unfamiliar venue.

I'll be staying the night in the Chelsea-International-Hostel, low key, but I'm only staying one night, so not going to spend a lot on luxury I won't need.

I swam it in 2016 and didn't do anything for nutrition, because I know from my own past experience that I don't need to feed during swims of this length of time. I think taking a gel with you would work just fine, though.

I agree with abbygirlrose. The slowest swimmers took previously between 2 and 2.5 hrs. It will depend on your swim speed, the current strength and at what time point you need nutrition. If you think you will, you should start off doing so at 30 min intervals because if you wait until you absolutely need it, you won't benefit much from the feeding. I won't feed, but I know my limit from past races is ~2:15, so go current! ;-)

Success! I finished....near the end of the pack, but that's not unusual for me.

A pool 5k in August took me 2 hrs 20 minutes. Great South Bay Swim (5.4 miles) this year yielded 3:38. So imagine my surprise when the finish clock showed 2:10! (Later that was adjusted to 2:08 based on my wave.)

Sometimes nature can be very tough. Yesterda, she was kind and pushed me down the Hudson at an unaccustomed speed. After quite a few Schuylkill swims where I was fighting currents over 4000cfs, it was most refreshing to enjoy the ride!

The Hudson is beautiful and yesterday, practically a swimmig pool w occasional waves. Seeing the George Washington Bridge in the distance and getting closer and closer was such a treat! (We didn't go under it, as the finish was before the bridge.)

Just before finishing, I saw a sailboat on the other side of the river and paused very briefly to look at it. As I reached the dock, I figured I must be under 3 hours b/c I didn't get pulled. But not even close to being pulled. ... that was heavenly!

Sometimes swims have taken all I have. I've had DNF swims and fought river currents. Sometimes Nature gives us pats on the back. This was one such time!!!(https://photos.app.goo.gl/BgW8sTKVM95LVnZ8A) (photo of start area....notice how calm water looks!)

PS Thanks for all the advice and encouragement! @AG275 .... sorry we didn't get to meet. Really grateful for your PM's! I had some gels with me but never took them. Had some foot cramps late in the swim but focused on relaxing the foot, breathing into the cramp, and after a while it calmed down without my having to stop. Sometimes, I stopped just to take in the view.

congratulations to all that swam on Sunday. Perfect day all around - great conditions, great organization, finish at a bar/restaurant.
Special congratulations to Craig Dietz! For those who do not know the incredible story or how he can swim with no arms or legs, his here is a link:
-Truly an inspiration for us all